Related Studies

Overview

This program (PIA) addresses analytical methodology, instrumentation, computation and
interpretation. The PIA program serves the needs of academic, clinical, government and industrial
analysis.

The main objective of the PIA program is to provide students working in pharmaceutical
laboratories with fundamental training in the theory and practice of modern, instrumental methods
of analysis. The PIA program stresses the importance of instrumentation in the solution of problems
encountered in the workplace.

Students must wear lab coats and safety glasses in the lab. These items may be purchased in the
Seneca@York bookstore.

Information Session

New students are invited to attend an information session.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are of great interest to employers in the pharmaceutical industry for responsible
positions in analysis, development, and quality control.

The following is the list of career opportunities that may be available for the student after
completing the Pharmaceutical Instrumentation Analyst Certificate.

Program Specialization

Industry Department

Titles Used in Industry

Pharmaceutical R and D

Pharmaceutical Quality Control

R and D Support, Quality Control, Stability Testing

Analyst (at different levels), Quality Control Chemist, Quality Control Technician

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, please
visit the
Government of Canada
website.

National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Government of Canada

The
National Occupational Classification
(NOC) provides a standardized language for describing the work performed by Canadians in the
labor market. It gives statisticians, labor market analysts, career counselors, employers and
individual job seekers a consistent way to collect data and describe and understand the nature of
work.

Entry Requirements

Students must have a diploma or degree with a focus on Chemistry, Biology or Pharmaceutical
studies.

Professionals working in the pharmaceutical industry may register for individual courses to
upgrade their skills but must meet Entry Requirements and contact the coordinator for program
eligibility.

Prerequisites

It is your responsibility to ensure that program requirements and course prerequisites as
outlined are met. Prerequisites are included for your academic protection. Knowledge of the
prerequisite material is assumed by your instructor and instruction will proceed accordingly.
Students lacking prerequisites not only jeopardize their own ability to succeed but present
unnecessary interruption. If you lack appropriate prerequisites (or Transfer Credit for the
prerequisite course) you may be asked to withdraw or transfer to a more appropriate course with the
risk of academic/financial penalty.

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Curriculum

This course focuses on the quality assurance and quality control techniques used in a pharmaceutical analytical laboratory. Guidelines for the calibration and validation of laboratory equipment and methods are discussed. Students also learn to write SOP's and the application of GLP's in an analytical laboratory. (Lectures only)

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PFT902

Gas Chromatography in Pharmaceutical Analysis

Availability

Gas Chromatography is the most widely used analytical technique for the separation and analysis of organic compounds. The efficiency of capillary columns, the sensitivity and selectivity of the detectors and the fully automated GC systems available makes the Gas Chromatography indispensable for any analytical laboratory. (Lectures and Labs)

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PFT503

Separation Chromatography / Spectrophotometry

Availability

This course provides a theoretical and practical study of separation chromatography and spectrophotometry used in the testing and development of pharmaceutical products as well as evaluation of the chromatographic results by spectrophotometry. This course concludes with the study of accelerated testing of pharmaceutical shelf-life stability. (Lecture and Lab)

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PFT504

Dissolution Testing of Pharmaceutical Products

Availability

Starting with the history of dissolution testing of pharmaceutical products, this course takes the student through the theory and concepts such as bio availability and bio equivalence and in vivo and vitro correlation. Experiments are designed with emphasis on thorough understanding of the working of the apparatus, the experimental variables and their control in order to achieve consistent results. Beginning with the USP Apparatus I and Apparatus II to test immediate release products this hands on course leads the student through dissolution profiling and dissolution testing of modified release tablets such as enteric coated and sustained release tablets with strong emphasis on the requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia, FDA and Health Canada a. ( Lecture and Labs)

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PFT505

Fundamentals of Physical Testing

Availability

This course provides a theoretical and practical study of some of the most commonly used, but critical physical testings in the pharmaceutical industry of solid, semi-solid and liquid dosage forms. Such testing is mandatory as per regulations and critical from a quality point of view and includes in-process testing of bulk product, finished product and raw-material. In recent years, testing also focused on pre-formulation studies and physical characterization of pharmaceutical active ingredients. Students practice using instruments such as a microscope, particle size analyzer, viscometer, moisture analyzer and various tabletting in-process test instruments including disintegration tester, hardness tester and friability tester. Students gain theoretical knowledge of x-ray diffraction, particle size analysis by laser defraction and differential scanning calorometry (DSC). Students also learn about applying these various techniques for analytical and formulation purposes. (Lecture and Labs)

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PFT812

Introduction To Mass Spectrometry in Drug Analysis

Availability

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of mass spectrometry with detailed interpretation of each of its components. Topics include various modes of mass spectrometric detection such as electron impact (EI), electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) as well as selected ion mode (SIM) and selected reaction mode (SRM). Emphasis is on the principle and theory in interpretation of mass spectrum with examples of some commonly known drugs . A demonstration of GC-MS provides students with a first hand introduction to this powerful analytical technique.

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PFT931

Drug Assay by UV

Availability

This course describes, through practical lab sessions, the use of spectrophotometry by compendium (USV-BP) methods of assay identification. Features include alternative procedures where inferences occur due to excipient and degradation of products. (Lectures and Labs)

If your degree is older than 8 years, you are not eligible for Transfer Credit. You can
still earn a credit by applying through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process.

Program Outcomes

The main outcomes of the PIA program are to:

provide a sound theoretical basis for analytical measurements.

develop an understanding of the operation of modern analytical instrumentation and how it can
be interfaced with computer hardware and software.

develop competence in the application of modern techniques of data analysis in analytical
method development.

develop analytical problem-solving skills.

As well the PIA program will focus on method selection, development and validation for
pharmaceutical compounds, as required in quality control and drug analysis. Practical training in
modern analytical techniques used in the quality control laboratories of the pharmaceutical
industry is provided, with lectures on the principles behind each method.

Credit for Prior Learning

Prior Learning Assessment

Earn college credits for what you already know!Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to
college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work
experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained
meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.

How does the PLA process work?Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning
through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews,
demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a
Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program
Coordinator.

The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.

Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to
PLA website or contact your
Program Coordinator.

Transfer Credit (Advanced Standing)

Many students who enter Seneca College will have earned academic credits in post-secondary
educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca College
program.

Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an
official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required
for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.

Download a
Transfer
Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course
outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer
Credit decision.

More Information

Graduation/Convocation

When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or
degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a
Graduation Application form and
paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice
a year in the Fall (October) and Spring (June).

For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the
Convocation website or contact the
Convocation Office at 416-491-5050 ext. 77461.

Minimum Performance for Graduation

Students will only be eligible to graduate with a Seneca College certificate or diploma if they
have maintained an overall good standing in their current program of study. Students in degree
programs will be eligible to graduate when they have obtained an average of C (2.5 GPA) in courses
in the main field of study, and an average of C (2.0 GPA) in all other courses.